The holiday season is in full motion increasing awareness of the less fortunate populations of communities across the country. You can celebrate this holiday season by giving back to the Central Ohio community with one of the several opportunities around the area listed below.
Red Kettle Campaign
When: Now through December 24th
Where: Multiple locations for the Salvation Army
What: Bell ringers needed to staff Red Kettle locations
Who: Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older
Information: Stephanie Koscher, 614-403-0404
Christmas Giving Program
When: Now through December 15th
Where: Project Help Clothing Ministry in the Great Western Shopping Center in Columbus
What: Sort and pack clothes and food into boxes, set up tables and tear down, assist clients shopping for clothes, verify eligibility
Who: Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older
Information: 614-475-9615 or 614-425-5830
Holiday Cookies
When: Now through December 23rd
Where: Twin Valley Behavioral, 2200 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
What: Bake cookies at home and deliver to hospital
Who: Families of all ages
Information: Maureen Fahy, 614-752-0333, Ext. 5141
Adopt-a-Family
When: Now through December 25th
Where: Volunteers of America, 1776 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
What: Wrap new gifts for families in need
Who: Families of all ages
Information: 614-372-3102
Aunt Mary’s Storybook
When: Now through December 29th
Where: Community Connection, 993 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio
What: Wrap and address books on tapes, recorded by incarcerated parents for their children, and deliver them to the post office
Who: Individuals 13 years and older with supervision of an adult
Information: Ginger Cermelj, 614-252-0660
Communities in Schools
When: Now through March 31st
Where: Columbus and Whitehall
What: Shop for toys, clothes, household goods, food for needy families in Columbus and Whitehall schools during the winter
Who: Families of all ages
Information: Kitty Kerrigan King, 614-268-2472, Ext. 11
Source: Columbus Dispatch